Climate refuges: adaptation to climate change of areas particularly affected by the urban heat island phenomenon in the Balearic Islands

The project

The Balearic Islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Due to the fact that they are islands, a rise in temperature higher than the global average is forecast, and an increase in extreme weather phenomena such as heat waves is expected.

Sustained excessive heat leads to an increase in mortality and in the number of health problems, especially in the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly. This is more intense in urban environments, given the urban heat island phenomenon, where temperatures can be up to 5ºC higher than those in the surrounding non-urban area, due to the design of the city and the urban typology.

The aim of this project is to create publicly owned urban spaces adapted to climate change, which can mitigate the heat island phenomenon, are more energy efficient and serve as a refuge for the population. Areas in the Balearic Islands particularly affected by this phenomenon will be identified, and work will be carried out with the town councils to select the squares, parks and streets where climate refuges are to be created.

The roll-out of this project will contribute to thermal comfort, reduce the use of air conditioning and consequently reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also reduce the temperature in cities by creating shaded areas, renaturalise urban environments and improve air quality.

Moreover, this project can be replicated in other cities with similar climates, with the potential to position the Balearic Islands as a European benchmark in the incorporation of the climate perspective in the design of public space.